christogram

A christogram is a symbolic monogram or emblem representing Jesus Christ, formed from letters of his name or from related Christian symbols. It functions as a devotional and iconographic sign in Christian art, architecture, liturgy, and personal objects.

Common forms include the Chi-Rho monogram (XP), formed by superimposing the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ), symbolizing Christos (Christ); it often appears with a cross and is associated with Constantine. The ICXC monogram (IC XC) is a Greek abbreviation for Jesus Christ (Iēsous Christos) and is found in mosaics and icons. The IHS monogram, the Latinized form of the first three letters of Jesus in Greek (ΙΗΣ), appears as IHS or JHS in Western Christianity and is sometimes rendered with a sunburst or cruciform arrangement.

History and development show christograms dating to late antiquity, with early examples in Roman catacombs and Byzantine art. The Chi-Rho symbol became prominent after Constantine’s adoption of the sign in military and imperial contexts. IC XC appears in early Byzantine iconography and later Western art, while IHS gained prominence in medieval and post-medieval Western Christianity, appearing on altars, vestments, manuscripts, and church furniture.

Today christograms remain common in church decoration, liturgy, and personal devotion. They appear in architecture, stained glass, coins, manuscripts, and vestments, reflecting regional and denominational variations while sharing the basic purpose of identifying and honoring Jesus Christ.